"Traditional cataract surgery is performed by making microscopic incisions in the eye with a diamond blade. Through these incisions, an oscillating device is used to break up the cataract into small pieces and remove these pieces from the eye. Once this is completed, a synthetic intraocular lens implant is placed in the eye where the natural lens -- the cataract -- used to be."

"Laser cataract surgery replaces any of the steps that have been traditionally performed with a blade, to now be achieved with a computer-guided femtosecond laser. From there, the remaining steps of the procedure are the same."

At Gulfcoast Eye Care, the Tampa Bay cataract surgeon routinely recommends both types of procedures to his patients. When patients desire the latest technology with the greatest precision, and hope to minimize their dependence on glasses, Dr. Manning says laser cataract surgery is often the preferred choice. However, he also highlights the benefits of the more traditional intraocular lens implant procedures, citing: "Reducing someone's dependence on glasses can still be achieved with traditional cataract surgery without a laser, but with the aid of lifestyle or multifocal lens implants. In fact, in patients with advanced glaucoma, corneal or other eye problems, traditional cataract surgery is preferred over laser cataract surgery."

Regarding candidacy, Dr. Manning notes that certain criteria will dictate whether laser cataract surgery or traditional cataract surgery will be more beneficial for a particular patient. He says the proper technique for each individual's specific needs will be determined during a preoperative consultation. Additionally, the eye care surgeon notes that no matter what technique is utilized, cataract surgery should always be performed by an experienced and qualified eye care professional.

About Michael H. Manning, MD, FACS

Dr. Michael Manning is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and a graduate of Rollins College. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine degree from the University of South Florida College of Medicine. Afterward, he served as the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator of different medical and surgical eye care studies with cataract and lens implant surgery. Dr. Manning has delivered presentations at national and international Ophthalmology meetings and has co-authored multiple medical publications. He is available for interview upon request.